A DARTS competition to held raise money for charity will be taking place in Ilminster tonight - and all are invited. 

The County Gazette newspaper is marking its 180th anniversary by launching a fundraising campaign in aid of St Margaret’s Hospice in a bid to raise £180,000.

As part of the campaign, the Gazette and its sister weekly titles are teaming up to host a county-wide darts competition.

The Royal Oak in Ilminster is hosting one of the qualifying rounds tonight, July 5 - starting at 7pm. 

It costs just £5 to enter, with all proceeds going to the hospice.

There will also be a host of other mini-competitions people can enter, for a nominal fee.

The competition will be a best-of-five (depending on the numbers of participants) knockout competition, with the top four all qualifying for the finals contest later in July.

The Gazette’s Lee Irving, who is organising the event, urged darts enthusiasts to get involved, adding: “Darts is renowned for being a fun and lively sport and we couldn't think of a better competition for our fundraising drive.

“St Margaret’s Hospice is a brilliant charity that does so much for people in their hour of need, so if we can reach our target of £180,000 we would be delighted.

"It is sure to be a great event at Royal Oak in Ilminster, and I am hoping a lot of local ‘arras fans will come and take part in the competition.”

For more information on the event, or if you would like to host an event or take part, and to see a full list of places hosting the competition host venues, visit countygazette.co.uk or call 01823 365102.